Pentavalent vaccine opposed

Janakeeya Manushyavakasha Prasthanam has protested against the government decision to administer the five-in-one pentavalent vaccine in government hospitals across the State from Wednesday onwards.

P. G. Hari, and Tushar Nirmal Sarathy, president and secretary of the organization, said on Tuesday that many countries had earlier decided not to give the vaccine based on the inference that it was not effective. They alleged that no proper studies or tests were conducted before the roll-out of the vaccine.

Dr. Hari said that the authorities were moving ahead with the administration of the vaccine despite studies showing that the Hib vaccine had several side effects. He alleged that the roll out was part of the pressure being extended by various pharmaceutical companies and trusts supporting the administration of the vaccine.

The organisation will come up with awareness programmes against the administration of the pentavalent vaccine. It has also approached the Kerala High Court stating that the project should not be implemented in the State.